Established in 1921, the event is the longest-running and biggest small animal show in the UK.

It is open to cavies, gerbils, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats - with some breeders travelling from as far afield as Sweden to compete.

According to the organisers, breeders - also known as fanciers - hold the event in high esteem and, along with their pets, descended on Harrogate in Yorkshire to participate in the 2012 competition this weekend.

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Run, rabbit, run: Flora, a lop-eared rabbit from Sweden, clears the final jump in the Rabbit Grand National

Hop to it: One young bunny practices its jumps on the Rabbit Grand National track (left) while Dilba, a competitor from Sweden, is put through his paces (right)

Tense wait: The competitors do their best to be patient as they prepare to be assessed by the judges

Dressing room: Any contender worth their salt knows the importance of rest and relaxation before a big event

This year saw the biggest and best competition in the show's 90-year history, with hundreds of spectators descending on the Yorkshire Events Centre to catch a glimpse of the four-legged competitors.

The show is dedicated solely to the promotion and exhibition of many species of small animals, organised by a dedicated committee on a not-for-profit basis.

Founded in 1921, it is the oldest event of its kind i

The event originally started life as the Bradford Championship Show and its inception is linked with Fur and Feather magazine, a publication dedicated to rabbits and other small animals.

Two's company: A pair of white rabbits are scrutinised by the judges. The event attracts competitors from as far afield as Sweden

The heat is on: An Angora (left) and English lop eared rabbit (right) wait to hear how they've fared in the contest

Well-groomed: White rabbits look proud and preened as they line up next to each other